t opside V olume 114 , I s s u e 1 P a ge 18
Division 7 , continued
The defects the Division 7 examiners find most often are non working navigation / fishing lights , insufficient or outdated fire fighting equipment , old or unserviceable immersion suits , outdated navigation publications , missing first aid drill log documents , alcohol testing devices , and high water alarms not working .
When a successful exam has been completed , the examiner will award the vessel owner / captain with a dated CG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal that is displayed on the starboard side wheelhouse window so that potential CG boarding teams are aware that this vessel has passed our exam , and if the boarding officer chooses to board them , may be able to perform their examination concentrating on the 10 big safety items that could lead to voyage termination .
The Commercial Fishing Vessel Examiner Personal Qualification Standard ( PQS ) outlines the requirements to become a CFVE . The qualification for Auxiliary members is exactly the same as for active duty and reserve personnel . A high degree of professionalism and acceptance of responsibility is required of the examiner , as well as an ongoing commitment to improve safety of the fishing vessel industry . There are formal education requirements , supported by Sector Delaware Bay , and the CFVE C-School at Training Center Yorktown , including qualifying as a certified drill conductor capable of performing the same crew drills that are required on most fishing vessels , as well as a significant period of on-the-job training . After all qualifications are obtained , the CFVSE candidate is required to participate in an oral board conducted by experienced CG and CGAux qualified examiners . If the candidate successfully passes their oral board , a Letter of Designation as a Commercial Fishing Vessel Examiner is endorsed by the Captain of the port . Qualified examiners are expected meet minimum yearly activity and training as well to support the increased focus on this potential lifesaving mission .
For more information on the CFVSE program , you may contact the D7 Area Coordinator , Maurice Kiely at mauricekiely @ comcast . net .
LEFT : CGAUX CFVSE Pat Ditomasso reviewing documents and exam results with the captain . ABOVE : CG CFVSE coordinator Bob Heffner boarding the vessel Lindsay L in Barnegat Light .